Here’s What You Need to Know When a Fuse Blows
Ever wondered about those little glass things in your grandma’s fuse box? If you’re living in an older home, chances are you’ve got fuses instead of those fancy circuit breakers. That’s because homes built before 1965 often use fuses in their electrical systems. This technology has largely been replaced by modern circuit breakers in newer homes.
Fuses are extremely important to prevent circuits from becoming overloaded. This protects wiring and devices from damage. However, compared to circuit breakers, fuses are less convenient and require replacement after they blow. On the other hand, you can simply reset your breakers. But that’s not all. Let’s dig further into what happens when a fuse blows in your house.
What Is a Blown Fuse?
A fuse is a small electrical component with a simple design. It usually consists of a glass tube containing a thin wire or metal ribbon. This wire is meant to break if the electrical current flowing through it gets too high. When the wire melts or breaks, the fuse “blows,” cutting off the flow of electricity.
The primary function of both fuses and circuit breakers is to stop the stream of electricity when it exceeds safe limits. Fuses achieve this by physically burning out, whereas circuit breakers trip off and can be switched back on. If you live in an older home with a fuse-based system, you should learn how fuses work and what happens when they blow. If you’re constantly having blown fuse issues, you might want to consider upgrading your system.
Don’t worry, though! Here at Service Minds Mister Sparky in Orlando, we can help you with fuse replacements, upgrades, and system evaluations. We’ll make sure your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable in no time.
What Happens When a Fuse Blows?
Picture this: you’re running your hairdryer, toaster, and coffee maker all at once. Suddenly, everything goes dark. Yep, you’ve just blown a fuse.
When a fuse blows, the circuit it protects loses power. There’s a thin wire that melts when too much electricity flows through it. As the current increases past the safe threshold, the heat melts the metal and severs the connection. This means that any appliances, lights, or outlets connected to that circuit will stop working immediately. The fuse breaks the flow of electricity to prevent damage to the wiring or devices in the system.
Fuses are like tiny bodyguards, protecting your wiring and gadgets from getting fried. It’s like taking one for the team. The fuse sacrifices itself to save the rest of your electrical system. This stops the flow of electricity, protecting the circuit from overheating or other serious damage.
But here’s the catch: when a fuse blows, it toasts. In other words, you’ll have to replace them, unlike circuit breakers that you can just flip back on.
Why Do Fuses Blow in the First Place?
Several factors can cause a fuse to blow, with the most common being:
- Overloading the Circuit: Usually, it happens because you’re asking too much of one circuit. Put simply, when you plug too many devices into one circuit, drawing more current than the fuse can handle.
- Short Circuits: A short circuit takes place when a hot wire meets a neutral or ground wire (when it shouldn’t), creating an uncontrolled flow of electricity.
In either case, the fuse blows to stop the electrical current from causing further harm.
Other Causes of Blown Fuses
Blown fuses can also result from other electrical issues, such as:
- Ground Faults: These occur when electrical current travels along an unintended path. Damaged insulation or faulty wiring usually causes that.
- Arc Faults: An arc fault happens when electricity jumps between conductors, creating high heat and potentially dangerous sparks.
- Surges or Circuit Issues: Power surges, unstable currents, or wiring problems can also lead to blown fuses.
- Damaged Outlets or Wiring: If an outlet or wiring is broken or deteriorating, it can cause irregular electrical flow, leading to a blown fuse.
We recommend taking care of these underlying issues to maintain the safety and performance of your electrical system. This may sound complicated but don’t sweat it. That’s what electricians like Service Minds Mister Sparky are for.
Types of Fuses
In the world of fuses, you’ve got two main characters.
Here are the main types older homes typically use:
- Screw-in Fuses: These are used in 120-volt circuits and look like tiny light bulbs. Screw-in fuses handle your everyday stuff. They screw into the fuse box and are commonly found protecting lighting and outlet circuits.
- Cartridge Fuses: These larger fuses are used for 240-volt circuits, which power high-demand appliances like air conditioners, ovens, and dryers. A special fuse puller tool is usually needed to remove these fuses.
Sizing of Fuses
Size matters when dealing with fuses. And it’s important to keep this in mind for the safety of your home’s electrical system.
The fuse size must match the wire gauge of the circuit to prevent overheating. For instance, a 15-amp fuse is generally used with a 14-gauge wire, while a 20-amp fuse is paired with a 12-gauge wire. Using the correct fuse size protects the wiring from carrying more current than it’s designed to handle.
Dangers of Incorrect Fuse Sizes
Using the wrong size fuse can be very dangerous. If the fuse is too large for the circuit, it won’t blow when it should, allowing excessive current to flow through the wiring. This can overheat the wires, which could result in an electrical fire.
Older fuse boxes often use Edison bases, which allow screw-in fuses of various sizes. This makes it easy to accidentally install the wrong size fuse, which can lead to safety hazards. Always make sure the fuse you install is the correct size for the circuit it protects.
What Blown Fuses Look Like
It’s usually pretty obvious to spot when a fuse blows.
Here’s what to look for:
- Melted Wire: Inside the glass tube, the metal ribbon or wire will appear broken or melted.
- Discolored Glass: The glass housing of the fuse may look cloudy or blackened. It can also look discolored due to the heat when the fuse blows.
How to Pull and Inspect Your Fuses
To inspect your fuses, follow these basic steps:
1. Turn Off the Power
Always shut off the main power to avoid electric shock before handling the fuse box.
2. Identify the Blown Fuse
Check for the signs mentioned above, such as a melted wire or cloudy glass.
3. Remove the Blown Fuse
Unscrew the fuse carefully if it’s a screw-in type, or use a fuse puller for cartridge fuses.
4. Inspect the Fuse
If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same type and amperage rating.
Preventing Future Blow-Outs
Preventing blown fuses often involves addressing the root cause of the issue:
- Overloaded Circuit: To keep your fuses happy, spread out your power usage. You may not run your space heater and hair straightener at the same time. Or you can also upgrade to a circuit breaker panel to accommodate higher power needs.
- Short Circuit: If short circuits happen consistently, have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring or appliances for damage.
- Faulty Appliances: If you’ve got an appliance that keeps blowing fuses, it might be time for a check-up or an upgrade, as they may be malfunctioning.
Remember, when you address these common problems, you can prevent frequent fuse replacements and improve the performance of your electrical system.
When a Fuse Blows, Call Mister Sparky
If you’re replacing fuses more often than you change your sheets, or if you suspect a larger issue with your wiring, it’s probably time to call an electrician. Remember, electrical safety isn’t a DIY project. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to call in the pros.
Have you checked our Service Minds Mister Sparky services in Orlando? We’re experts at this stuff. We can check out your system, replace blown fuses, or even upgrade your circuit breakers if that’s what you need. Don’t put up with malarky! Call us today for an inspection or upgrade.